Barcelona striker Lionel Messi arrived as the star, only to be outshone at the end

01 April 2010 12:37

He arrived at the Emirates Stadium as the most feared striker on the planet, with eight goals in his last five games, and, although Lionel Messi didn't find the net against Arsenal, his mere presence was enough to have the Gunners defence all at sea for long periods.

Silky skills: Lionel Messi takes on Thomas Vermaelen at the Emirate

The Argentina winger was involved in most of the good work as the champions of Spain overwhelmed Arsene Wenger's men in the early stages but as the game reached the business end Messi was subdued.

Heads up: Messi and Vermaelen do battle during a dramatic Champions League clash

He had a chance to put the tie beyond Arsenal midway through the second half, when he raced past Emmanuel Eboue into the box but was denied by a smart block from goalkeeper Manuel Almunia.

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All Arsenal supporters will be hoping the Argentine star has a quiet night at the Nou Camp next Tuesday, as they bid for an unlikely triumph and a place in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

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